Projecting the direct cost burden of osteoarthritis in Canada using a microsimulation model

Objectives To estimate the future direct cost of OA in Canada using a population-based health microsimulation model of osteoarthritis (POHEM-OA). Methods We used administrative health data from the province of British Columbia (BC), Canada, a survey of a random sample of BC residents diagnosed with OA (Ministry of Health of BC data), Canadian Institute of Health Information (CIHI) cost data and literature estimates to populate a microsimulation model. Cost components associated with pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments, total joint replacement (TJR) surgery, as well as use of hospital resources and management of complications arising from the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) were included. Future costs were then simulated using the POHEM-OA model to construct profiles for each adult Canadian. Results From 2010…